If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic dish, let me introduce you to my favorite: Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. These little gems are more than just a holiday side; they’re a burst of flavor that can elevate any gathering or cozy weeknight dinner. Picture a crispy outside with a moist interior, savory turkey mingling with fragrant herbs and bright, tangy cranberries. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends, making them an ideal addition to your festive table or simply as a tasty snack.

What makes these stuffing balls truly special is their versatility. Whether you’re hosting a big dinner or just need something quick and delicious for your family, these stuffing balls fit the bill beautifully. You might even find yourself sneaking a few as you prepare them—trust me, I won’t tell!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is friendly for cooks of all skill levels.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of flavors in these tasty bites!
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep them ahead of time and pop them in the oven just before serving—perfect for busy days.
Delicious Flavor: The blend of herbs, turkey, and cranberries creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will rave about.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a casual Sunday dinner, these stuffing balls are always welcome at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering good ingredients is half the fun! For these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, you’ll be using simple, wholesome items you likely already have at home or can find easily at your local grocery store.

For the Base:

1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean)
8 cups stale bread cubes (½-¾ inch)

For the Aromatics:

1 large yellow onion, finely diced
3 stalks celery, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced

For Binding and Flavor:

½ cup unsalted butter, divided
1 ½ cups dried cranberries
1 cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped (optional)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 ½ cups low sodium chicken or turkey broth

For Freshness:

2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

For Seasoning:

1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp poultry seasoning
Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Swap the protein: Try using ground chicken or even plant-based substitutes for a different flavor profile.
Add seasonal veggies: Incorporate grated carrots or chopped bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
Change up the nuts: If you prefer different crunchiness, use sunflower seeds or omit nuts altogether.
Herb variations: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or basil to give it a unique twist.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Prepare Bread & Aromatics

Start by preparing your bread cubes. If they aren’t stale yet, toast them at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re nice and dried out. This step ensures your stuffing balls have that lovely texture we crave. While that’s happening, finely dice your onion and celery and mince the garlic. Don’t forget to chop up your fresh herbs like sage and thyme; they will bring such wonderful aroma once cooked!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of butter. Once melted, add in those diced onions and celery. Sauté them for about 8-10 minutes until they turn translucent—this brings out their natural sweetness! Just before removing from heat, stir in the minced garlic along with chopped sage and thyme. Let this mixture cool slightly before combining it with everything else.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine those stale bread cubes with dried cranberries and any nuts you choose to include. Pour in the remaining melted butter along with salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning, and optional orange zest for an extra zing! Toss everything gently but well—this is where all those flavors start coming together beautifully.

Step 4: Mix and Season

Now it’s time to add the cooled sautéed mixture into your bowl along with lightly beaten eggs and ground turkey. Gently mix until all ingredients are combined but take care not to overwork it! If your mixture feels too dry to hold its shape when rolled into balls, gradually add more broth until you reach that perfect consistency.

Step 5: Shape Stuffing Balls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Take about 1½-2 tablespoons of your mixture in hand and roll them into compact golf-ball-sized shapes. Place each ball about an inch apart on those prepared sheets so they have room to bake perfectly.

Step 6: Bake

Pop those trays into the oven! Bake for about 25-35 minutes while rotating halfway through baking time until they turn golden brown outside and are cooked through inside (you want them to reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F/74°C).

Step 7: Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheets for about five minutes before serving warm. These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls can be enjoyed as an appetizer with cranberry sauce or served alongside gravy as a flavorful side dish!

Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious little delights!

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Creating the perfect Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks. With these tips, you’ll elevate your dish to new heights!

Use Stale Bread: Opting for stale bread helps absorb moisture without becoming too soggy, giving your stuffing balls the ideal texture.
Chill Your Mixture: After combining ingredients, let the mixture chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps it hold its shape better when baking and enhances the flavors.
Don’t Overmix: Gently mix your ingredients until just combined to avoid tough stuffing balls. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture rather than that delightful lightness.
Taste as You Go: Always cook a small sample of the mixture before shaping all the stuffing balls. This allows you to adjust seasonings to your preference and ensures delicious results.
Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to customize with herbs like rosemary or oregano. Mixing different herbs can add unique flavors that complement the turkey and cranberries beautifully.

How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

These delightful stuffing balls are not only tasty but also versatile in presentation! Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or an intimate dinner, here are some ideas on how to serve them.

Garnishes

Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or sage on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
Cranberry Sauce: Serve with a side of homemade cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart contrast that complements the savory stuffing balls.
Orange Zest: A light zesting of fresh orange right before serving can enhance the citrus notes from your stuffing.

Side Dishes

Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes bring warmth and color to your plate while balancing the flavors.
Green Bean Almondine: Crisp green beans sautéed with almonds offer crunch and freshness. The nutty flavor pairs well with the savory stuffing balls.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Classic mashed potatoes are always a hit! Their creaminess beautifully complements the crispy exterior of the stuffing balls.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast while adding healthy grains to your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with your delicious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious flavors without the fuss on busy days. Make a batch ahead of time, and you’ll have a delightful appetizer or side dish ready to go!

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Freeze uncooked stuffing balls by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label the bags with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

To reheat cooked stuffing balls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
For frozen uncooked stuffing balls, bake directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 10-15 minutes longer than the original baking time.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls.

Can I make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead of time and either refrigerate or freeze them, making meal prep simple and stress-free.

What can I serve with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?

These stuffing balls pair wonderfully with cranberry sauce as an appetizer or can complement gravy as a savory side dish at your holiday table.

How do I keep my Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls moist?

Ensure that your mixture is moist enough before shaping into balls. If it feels dry, add additional broth gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I use different nuts in my stuffing balls?

Yes! Feel free to substitute pecans or walnuts with your favorite nuts for a personal touch or omit them altogether if you prefer a nut-free option.

Are Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls gluten-free?

To make these stuffing balls gluten-free, use gluten-free bread cubes. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also bring a wonderful twist to traditional recipes. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as part of your weekly meals, I’m sure they’ll be a hit. Happy cooking!

Appetizers